Bimbo Bakeries planning $75M plant in eastern Pa.

BREINIGSVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The company that makes Thomas' English muffins, bread and assorted sweets is planning a $75 million bakery in eastern Pennsylvania.

Horsham-based Bimbo Bakeries says it has purchased 30 acres in Upper Macungie Township (mah-KUHN'-jee) for a plant that's expected to employ 100 people. The company says it plans to complete the 240,000-square-foot facility by the end of the year, with operations beginning in 2014.

The company also owns a bakery in Palmer Township. It says the new facility will produce bread and buns for the Northeast.

Bimbo's brands also include Arnold, Entenmann's, Sara Lee and Stroehmann. It has about 70 bakeries across the country.